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Chemistry
 

Forensic Chemistry

BA/BS Degree in Chemistry - Forensic Option

Forensic chemistry is the application of chemistry to criminal investigation. This major is recommended for individuals who wish to pursue a career in criminal investigation, in the laboratory analysis of forensic evidence, or pursue graduate study in forensic science. This course of study would also develop the analytical skills required for careers in other areas of civil law such as environmental pollution, accident investigation and product liability. Due to the nature of forensic investigations, the forensic chemist requires a strong background in chemical analysis and must be able to effectively communicate the results of laboratory analyses in reports and in the courtroom. The curriculum is designed so that the major provides a strong theoretical and experimental background in chemistry as well as written and oral communication skills. This major may only be taken in conjunction with the Forensics minor designated for chemistry majors. The minor provides specialized training in forensics. Students in the program will benefit from experience gained via the required practicum.
B.A. Chemistry Degree Requirements:
  • Mathematics (Mth 252)
  • Information Systems (CS 161)
  • Completion of the third term of the second year of a foreign language course
  • B.S. Chemistry Degree Requirements:
    • Mathematics (Mth 251, 252)
    • Information Systems (CS 161)

    B.A. & B.S. Degrees:
    • 6 credits in courses identified in the catalog as addressing multicultural, linguistic or ethnic diversity.
    • The writing intensive courses Ch 350, Ch 407, Ch 461, and Ch 462.
    • The sequence Ph 201, 202, 203 or 211, 212, 213 is to be completed as the LACC science requirement.


    CHEMISTRY MAJOR- - FORENSIC OPTION
    Course Number Course Description Credit Hours Offering Frequency
    CHEMISTRY CORE
    Ch 221, 222, 223 General Chemistry 15 twice annually
    Ch 312 Quantitative Analysis 4 annually
    Ch 313 Instrumental Analysis 4 annually
    Ch 334, 335, 336 Organic Chemistry 12 annually
    Ch 340 Elementary Physical Chemistry 4 alternate years
    Ch 350 Chemical Literature 1 annually
    Ch 407 Seminar 1 annually
    Ch 409 Practicum 1 annually
    Ch 450, 451 Biochemistry 6 annually
    Ch 461, 462 Experimental Chemistry 4 alternate years
    Mth 243 Introduction to Probability and Statistics 4 annually
    Wr 322 Technical Writing 4 annually
    Com 327 Communication in the Legal Field 3 annually
    LIMITED ELECTIVES (Choose one track of 8 or 10 hrs)
    Bi 101, 102, 103 General Biology 5 each annually
    Bi 211, 212, 213 Principles of Biology 4 each annually


    FORENSICS MINOR (for Chemistry majors ***)
    Course Number Course Description Credit Hours Offering Frequency
    Ch 320 Introduction to Forensic Science 3 annually
    Ch 420 Forensic Chemistry 4 alternate years
    Ch 430, 431, 432 Applications of Forensic Science 6 annually
    GS 161 Technical Photography 2 alternate years
    CJ 213D Introduction to Criminal Justice 4 annually
    CJ 321 Principles of Forensic Investigation 4 annually
    CJ 452 Criminal Procedures 4 annually


    ***This minor may be taken by majors in other scientific disciplines providing they complete Ch 221-223, Ch 334-336 and Ch 313.

    FORENSICS MINOR (for non-Chemistry majors ****)
    Course Number Course Description Credit Hours Offering Frequency
    Ch 104, 105, 106 Introductory Chemistry 12 annually
    Ch 320 Introduction to Forensic Science 3 annually
    Ch 430, 431, 432 Applications of Forensic Science 6 annually
    CJ 321 Principles of Forensic Investigation 4 annually
    CJ 452 Criminal Procedures 4 annually

    ****It is suggested that students pursuing this minor take GS 106 and Bi 101 as part of their LACC science requirement. CH 104, 105, 106 may be applied to the LACC. In this case, an additional 12 hours of science elective approved by the minor advisor may be substituted. GS 161 is highly recommended as a general education elective.


    Direct suggestions, comments, and questions about this page to Arlene Courtney, courtna@wou.edu.

     

     

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